Variable inlet vanes

ABSTRACT

A cooling system that includes two or more fans that each have a chassis. The chassis includes a first face, a second face, and a sidewall. The fans then can be attached to each other by attaching a sidewall of a first fan chassis to a sidewall of a second fan chassis. An adjustable vane is attached perpendicularly and approximately equidistant between the fans, with an angular control element that is attached to the first fan chassis. The vane can be oriented such that the vane divides the airflow distributed to the fans. The vane then can be adjusted radially by the angular control element, which is attached to the fan chassis. If an impeller of a fan chassis fails the vane can be adjusted radially using an angular control element to distribute more airflow to the failed fan superimposing the non-failed fan chassis.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to condition responsive heat exchangewith cooling capacity, and more specifically, controlling and directingairflow using a fan that has cooling capacity.

Counter-rotating fans are used to cool computational electroniccomponents, which can be include singular fan housings with multiple fanblades attached to multiple motors, configured such that placing twosingular fans in line with each other such that the airflow exhaustbecomes the intake of the next fan rotating opposite of the first fan,increasing the exhaust of the fan system. Typically counter-rotatingfans are used to cool large systems which can require varying amounts ofairflow depending on the amount of heat produced by the system.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward amethod of cooling electrical components by directing airflow andreducing airflow and pressure differentials after a fan failure ormalfunction.

One embodiment is directed towards a cooling system that includes two ormore fans that each have a chassis. The chassis includes a first face, asecond face, and a sidewall, and the fans are attached to each otherwith one sidewall of the fan to a sidewall of another fan. The fans canthen be attached to a frame of a computer system which holds the fans inplace and orients the airflow of the fans to cool the computer system.An adjustable vane, attached perpendicularly to the frame between thefans, can be connected to an angular control element mounted on thechassis. The vane is oriented such that the vane divides the airflowdistributed to the fans. The vane then can be adjusted radially on theangular control element on the chassis of the fans. The radialadjustment of the vane can occur when a fan fails, causing the angularcontrol element to distribute more airflow to the failed fan.

One embodiment of a cooling system is directed towards constructed bypositioning two or more fan chassis with a sidewall of each of the fanchassis being approximately parallel. A sidewall of a first fan chassisis attached to a sidewall of a second fan chassis. A vane is thenaligned perpendicularly to a first face of the first fan chassis and afirst face of the second fan chassis, and attached to the first fanchassis with angular control elements. The angular control elements areattached such that they are able to radially adjust the position of thevane relative to the first faces of the first and second fan chassisbased on an airflow entering the cooling system.

One embodiment is directed towards controlling a vane to distributeairflow to a cooling system. According to various embodiments an angularcontrol element can be a motor configured to radially adjust a positionof a vane. The angular control element can be coupled electrically witha control unit. The control unit can receive measurements from amonitoring unit. The control unit receives the measurements from each ofthe adjacent fan chassis, and can calculate a difference between each ofthe measurements. The angular control element can receive data from thecontrol unit to adjust the vane based on the difference between themeasurements received by the monitoring unit. The vane can be adjustedtoward the fan chassis towards a closed position to superimpose theintake of the fan chassis.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustratedembodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into,and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of thepresent disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative ofcertain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates a cut away view of a multiple impellercounter-rotating fan system with three impellers, according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates cut away side view of the pieces of an impeller witha monitoring unit, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2A illustrates a three dimensional side view of three separatemultiple impeller fan chassis orientated horizontally that are alignedand attached, with vanes positioned perpendicular to the first face ofthe fans chassis, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top down view of three separate multiple impellerfan chassis that are aligned and attached, with vanes positionedperpendicular to the first face of the fans chassis, according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a multiple impeller fan chassis and avane that is configured to expand distally away from the multipleimpeller fans with a second slidably attached vane, according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of a multiple impeller fan chassis and avane with a second slidably attached vane that has expanded distallyaway from a first face of the multiple impeller fan chassis, accordingto various embodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top down view of three separate multiple impellerfan chassis that are aligned and attached in a single plane, with vanespositioned perpendicular to the first face of the fans chassis,according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top down view of the vanes in positions notperpendicular to the face of the fan chassis, responsive to a failedfan, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top down view of three separate multiple impellerfan chassis that are aligned and attached in a single plane with vanespositioned perpendicularly to the first face of the fan chassis on botha first face and a second face, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5B illustrates a top down view of the vanes on both a first faceand a second face being in positions not perpendicular to the face ofthe fan chassis, responsive to a failed fan, according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a three dimensional side view of three separatemultiple impeller fan chassis orientated vertically that are aligned andattached, with vanes positioned perpendicular to the first face of thefans chassis, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates a three dimensional side view of two separatemultiple impeller fan chassis orientated horizontally with a motor as anangular control unit attaching a vane positioned perpendicular to thefirst face of the fan chassis, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7B illustrates a magnified side view of the motor as the angularcontrol unit attached to the vane and coupled electrically to amonitoring unit to determine the required adjustment range, according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of an adjustment of a vane when theangular control element is a motor, according to various embodiments.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to vanes configured to controlthe airflow entering into to working fans which causes the exhaust ofthe working fan and the failed fan to be similar, reducing the unevenairflow distribution to the system. More particular aspects relate tousing radially adjustable vanes to direct the incoming airflow into thefans adjacent to the vane. While the present disclosure is notnecessarily limited to such applications, various aspects of thedisclosure may be appreciated through a discussion of various examplesusing this context.

Methods for directing airflow to a system can be focused on resolvingthe problem of fans malfunctioning or failing in a cooling system. Whenfans in a computer system fail, the airflow within the system can beeffected, leading to heat build-up, which can damage the computersystem. Counter-rotating multiple impeller fans contain two or moreimpellers aligned in series, wherein an exhaust of the first impellerincreases speed at which a second impeller will rotate, by feeding theexhaust of the first impeller into the intake of the second impeller inturn increasing the speed at which the airflow exhausts the secondimpeller. These counter-rotating multiple impeller fans can be used inCentral Electronic Complex (CEC) systems to move large volumes ofairflow for cooling purposes.

When an impeller of a counter-rotating fans of a multiple impeller fanfails, the surrounding sets of non-failed fans can exhaust two to threetimes more airflow, compared to the fan with the failed impeller(s).When the airflow is pulled away from the entrance of the failed fan intothe non-failed fans, a negative pressure can result within the computersystem, causing the cool air to be distributed unevenly. Uneven airflowdistribution among the exhaust fans of a cooling system can lead toreduced cooling capacity of the system, by the fans. The reduced coolingcapacity of the system can lead to the heat build-up, and componentfailure.

Cooling fans can fail in various ways. Examples of fan failure caninclude, a foreign object entering the fan system causing stoppage ordamage to one or more of the impellers or impeller blades, or a motorfailure causing the fan to no longer rotate or causing the fan to rotatefreely but not increasing the airflow. Each of these representativefailures can cause the fan chassis containing one or more failedimpellers to produce a lesser airflow compared to fully functioning fanchassis, without a failed impeller. The airflow differential can causeuneven airflow distribution leading to heat build-up within the system.

Cooling fans are an integral part of cooling a central electroniccomplex (CEC) system which is a set of hardware that defines amainframe. The CEC system can include but is not limited to, computerprocessing units (CPUs), memory, channels, controllers, and powersupply. Fans are necessary for the cooling of these electronics for thedispersion of the heat generated during computation processes.

Counter-rotational fans can be manufactured out of two single impellerfan chassis or purchased as a single chassis unit with two impellers. Inembodiments Counter-rotational fans include at least two impellers. Inembodiments with two impellers, contain blades of a first impellerrotating a first direction with blades orientated in a first directionand a second impeller rotating a second direction with blades orientatedin a second direction. An example embodiment of a single chassismultiple impeller unit has, a first impeller with a first direction ofrotation which can be clockwise and will have the blades orientated inthe first direction where the blades pull airflow into the fan blades.The second impeller will rotate opposite of the first impeller where theimpeller can rotate in the second direction of rotation orcounter-clockwise, with the blades ordinated in the second direction,where the blades rotating counter-clockwise will pull the exhaustairflow from the first impeller and exhaust the airflow out the fanchassis. A counter-rotational fan with the capacity to cool CEC systemscan be purchased for example, from Delta Products Corporation®.

After an impeller failure, the airflow in the system can be affectedwith a conical area of lower or higher air pressure at the entrance ofthe fans. This localized pressure differential at the fan locations cancause more airflow to enter the working fans and less airflow to enterthe failed fan causing a lower intake of airflow. The conical area oflower or higher air pressure enlarges as the adjacent fans pull theairflow away from the failed fan. Also since the localized pressuredifferential causes the fans to intake less airflow, the fans canexhaust a decreased amount of airflow causing an uneven exhaust exitingthe fan chassis. The uneven exhaust of the fan chassis can decrease thecooling efficiency of the fan system.

FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of a multiple impellercounter-rotating fan chassis 100. The multiple impeller counter-rotatingfan can include, a chassis 100, with a first face 110 with an opening140 for the multiple impellers 150, and at least one sidewall 130.According to embodiments, the chassis 100 includes at least a first face110 with an opening 140, which intakes airflow, a second face with anopening 111, which exhausts the airflow. Inside the first face opening140 multiple impellers 150 can be positioned to pull airflow into themultiple impeller fan chassis 100. An impeller can be a fan (anair-moving component) that can include: a motor with a center ofrotation, one or more blades, and a blade support that connects themotor to the one or more blades. In embodiments, the impellers can pullor push air into or out of a system for cooling purposes. The multipleimpellers 150 pull airflow through the opening 140 of the first face110, accelerates the air, and exhaust the airflow through the opening ofthe second face 111 into the computing device. Examples of computingdevices can include, but are not limited to, a data processing unit, aserver, or a personal computer.

In FIG. 1B a cut away view of a single impeller 150 is illustrated. Thesingle impeller 150 can include but is not limited to, a fan blade 152,a motor 156, a support 154 which can connect the motor 156 to the fanchassis, and a blade support 158 configured to connect the motor 156 tothe at least one fan blade 152. In Some embodiments can include amonitoring unit 160 that can be separate from the single impeller 150but within the chassis. In some embodiments the monitoring 160 unit canbe outside the fan chassis monitoring the airflow. The monitoring unit160 can be configured to identify failure or malfunction of the impeller150. In other embodiments the monitoring unit 160 can be an internalmonitoring unit 160 which connects electrically to the motor 156 and candetermine whether the motor 156 has failed. An example of the separatemonitoring unit 160 can include a wind speed monitor for comparing theair speed exhausting each single impeller 150 and comparing them othersingle impellers 150 of a fan system to determine a failure ormalfunction. For example, a units for measuring of the airflow can beprocured by measuring the airflow in cubic centimeters per second(cm³/s). An example of the internal monitoring unit 160 can include amonitor that measures the rotational speed of in revolutions per minute(RPM) of each of the single impellers 150 and determines whether one ofthe impellers has a lower rotational speed than any adjacent impellersof the fan system.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B depict a three dimensional view and a top down viewof a three fan cooling system including three separate fan chassis eachwith their own multiple impeller system a three fan structure, withvanes positioned between each of the fan chassis. Each of the fanchassis with the multiple impellers are described herein, so the fanchassis with the multiple impellers will be referred to as a fan chassisthroughout. The three dimensional view of FIG. 2A is orientatedhorizontally when compared to the bottom sidewall 260 of the frame of acenter electronic complex (CEC) computer frame.

The fan system 200 can be oriented such that when the fan structure isattached to the frame of a computing system, the vanes will be orientedparallel or perpendicular when compared to the bottom sidewall of thecomputing system. For example, the vanes will be positionedperpendicular to the bottom sidewall 260 of the computer system if thethree fan chassis are placed such that the fan system 200 is horizontalwhen compared to the bottom sidewall 260 of the computing system. Inanother example shown herein, the vanes can be positioned parallel tothe bottom sidewall of the frame of the computing system if the threefan chassis are placed such that the fan system is vertical whencompared to the bottom sidewall of the frame of the computing system.

FIG. 2A depicts an embodiment of a fan structure, with three attachedfan chassis. Systems can include at least one fan chassis in order tocool computing systems. In this embodiment, three separate fan chassisare shown: a first fan chassis 202, a second fan chassis 204, and athird fan chassis 206, each including a multiple impeller system. Thefan chassis can be attached to each other by attaching a sidewall of oneof the fan chassis to another sidewall of the adjoining fan chassiswhere each sidewall will be substantially parallel to the other. Thefirst fan chassis 202 includes a first face 212 and a second face 213,opposite the first face 212, with an opening 242 including a firstmultiple impeller system. The second fan chassis 204 includes a firstface 214 and a second face 215, opposite the first face 214, with anopening 244 including a second multiple impeller system. The third fanchassis 206 includes a first face 216 and a second face 217, oppositethe first face 216, with an opening 246 including a third multipleimpeller system. The first face of the first fan chassis 212, the firstface of the second fan chassis 214, and the first face of the third fanchassis 216 are orientated such that they are facing in a samedirection.

The first fan chassis 202 is aligned to be substantially parallel to thesecond fan chassis 204, and can be attached at an attachment point 232.The second fan chassis 204 is aligned to be substantially parallel tothe third fan chassis 206 and can be attached at attachment point 234.For example, the attachment points 232 and 234 can be accomplished byphysically attaching the surfaces of the sidewalls of the chassis toeach other. Examples of physical attachments can include but are notlimited to, an interlocking system, a mechanical attachment, or anadhesive to hold adjoining chassis together. In some embodiments, theattachment points 232 and 234 can a part of a frame to which thesidewalls of each the fan chassis attach, orienting the sidewallsparallel to each other. In some embodiments, a frame attachment caninclude the attachment of a sidewall of the fan chassis to an adjacentserver blade.

Vanes are positioned between the fan chassis approximately equidistantfrom the attached sidewalls of the fan chassis. A first vane 222 ispositioned approximately equidistant between the attached sidewalls offirst fan chassis 202 and the second fan chassis 204, perpendicular tothe first faces of the first fan chassis 212 and the second chassis 214,and the first vane 222 being attached to the first fan chassis 202 usingthe angular control element 226. The first vane 222 has a first edge anda second edge, where the first edge is opposite of the second edge, andthe first edge is attached to the angular control element 226. Anexample of approximate equidistance can include a few millimetervariance off center between the attached sidewalls. A second vane 224 ispositioned approximately equidistant between the attached sidewalls ofthe second fan chassis 204 and the third fan chassis 206, perpendicularto the first faces of the second fan chassis 214 and the third chassis216, and the second vane 224 is attached to the second fan chassis 204using the angular control element 226. The second vane 224 has a firstedge and a second edge, where the first edge is opposite of the secondedge, and the first edge is attached to the angular control element 226.When the vanes are oriented perpendicular to the faces of the fanchassis, in an open position the vanes can divide the airflowapproaching the fans evenly among the various fan chassis in the fansystem 200.

In various embodiments the first vane 222 and second vane 224 may beperpendicular to the first face of the first faces of the first 212, thesecond 214, and the third 216 fan chassis, but not perpendicular to abottom sidewall 260 of a frame. In an example, the first edge of thefirst vane 222 may be positioned such that the top of the first edge,which is furthest from the bottom sidewall 260 of the frame, starts onlyon the first fan chassis 202, and the bottom of the first edge of thefirst vane 222 ends only on the second fan chassis 204. The first vane222 starting on the first fan chassis 202 and ending on the second fanchassis 204, can result in the vane being non-equidistant between thefirst fan chassis 202 and the second fan chassis 204. When comparing thefirst vane 222 to the bottom sidewall 260 of the frame the vane will beat an angle and not perpendicular to the bottom sidewall 260 of theframe.

According to embodiments, the vanes can be formed from metal, plastic,or another rigid material. In some embodiments the vanes can expanddistally where a second edge of the vane has increased its distance awayfrom the fans to increase the length of the vane (e.g. FIGS. 3A and 3B).

In FIG. 2B three separate fan chassis are shown, in a top down view ofFIG. 2A, a first being a first fan chassis 202 with a first face 212 anda second face 213, a second being a second fan chassis 204 with a firstface 214 and a second face 215, and a third being a third fan chassis206 with a first face 216 and a second face 217, each fan systemincludes a multiple impeller system. The top down view better portraysthe perpendicular orientation of the first vane 222 and second vane 224facing the front face of the fan chassis of the first fan chassis 212,the second fan chassis 214, and the third fan chassis 216.

In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first vane 222 and second vane 224 have two endorientations. The first end orientation being an open orientation wherethe vane is perpendicular to the first faces of the fan chassis. Thesecond end orientation is a closed orientation, where the vane isradially adjusted as far as the angular control element 226 or anoptional stopper 228 will allow the vane to superimpose the intake ofthe fan chassis. Adjusting the vane towards the closed position of theradial adjustment range 220 allows a decreased amount of airflow intothe working fan chassis whereas the open position allows an equaldistribution of airflow to each of the fan chassis adjacent to the vane.There can be numerous radial adjustment range 220 orientations for thevane between the open orientation and the closed orientation, of whichthe vane can be radially adjusted to, responding to an impeller failure,and the fan system (e.g. of FIG. 4B).

The first vane 222 and the second vane 224 can be adjusted radially forexample, using the angular control elements 226 to change the degree ofopening, between the open orientation and the closed orientation, foreach of the first faces of the chassis of the fans depending on impellerfailure or airflow within the system (e.g. FIG. 4B). Example radialadjustments 220 are shown with the dotted radial adjustments of thefirst vane 222 and the second vane 224. The first vane 222 and secondvane 224 can be adjusted to the example dotted radial adjustments. Thefirst vane 222 can be adjusted toward the first face of the first fanchassis 212 with dotted radial adjustment 252. The first vane 222 andthe second vane 224 can be adjusted toward the first face of the secondfan chassis 214 with dotted radial adjustment 254 for the first vane 222and radial adjustment 256 for the second vane 224. The second vane 224can be adjusted toward the first face of the third chassis 216 withdotted radial adjustment 258.

One example of an angular control element 226 can be angular controlsprings attached to the first edge of the vane. The angular controlelement 226 maintains the vane perpendicular to the first faces of thefan chassis, in the open orientation, dividing the incoming airflowevenly. Should a lower conical air pressure form in front of the firstface of one of the first chassis 212, the first face of the secondchassis 214, or the first face of the third chassis 216, the airflowintake of one of the fan chassis can be greater than then an adjacentfan. A lower conical air pressure can be generated by an impellerfailure causing a change in airflow. This greater airflow intake by oneof the fan chassis can pull the vane adjoining the lower-intake chassistoward the face of the higher-intake chassis (i.e., toward the closedorientation). This vane orientation adjustment can limit the airflowreceived by the fan chassis with greater airflow capacity, balancing theairflow between adjoining fan chassis.

The superimposition of the fan intaking more air, allows more airflow toenter the failed fan to reach an equilibrium exhaust inside a computingdevice. An example of vane superimposition occurs when an impeller of asecond multiple impeller fan chassis fails, and intakes less airflowcompared to the first non-failed fan, the vane will then respond to thechange in airflow and orientate towards a closed position superimposingthe first non-failed fan chassis, the second failed fan will be intakinga second airflow. The second airflow is greater in volume compared to afirst airflow before the impeller failure. The second airflow of thefailed fan chassis must be non-zero.

Another example of an angular control element 226 can be a freelyrotating attachment, having the vanes weighted to prevent rotation. Forexample if the first vane 222 and the second vane 224 can be weighted toinhibit movement and the angular control element 226 is a freelyrotating attachment, and the inhibition of the rotation of the vanes canbe dependent on the vanes and not the angular control element 226. If aregion of low air pressure forms in front of one of the first faces ofthe first chassis 212, the second chassis 214, or the third chassis 216,the intake of one of the fan chassis can be greater than then anadjacent fan. The result of the intake of a first fan chassis beinggreater than an adjacent second fan chassis, pulls the weighted vanetoward the closed orientation superimposing the first fan that isintaking more air, limiting the air received by the first fan chassisthat was intaking more air. The superimposition of the first fanchassis, allows more airflow to enter the failed fan to reach anequilibrium exhaust inside a computing device.

An additional example of an angular control element 226 describedfurther herein, can be a motor configured to adjust the orientation ofthe vane radially depending on data received from the fans adjacent tothe vane. For example if the angular control element 226 is a motor, theangular control element 226 can receive data from a monitoring unit orthe fan motor of the fan chassis adjacent to the vane. If a failure ormalfunction of an impeller occurs within a multiple impeller fanchassis, data is gathered on the airflow after the impeller failure. Thedata of the fan chassis with the impeller failure is compared to thedata of the chassis without a failed impeller. The angular controlelement 226 can then adjust the vane radially to a new orientationbetween the open and the closed orientation, based on the compared databetween the fans adjacent to the vane. In some embodiments, the data caninclude, for example, air speed from an external monitor placed afterthe final impeller in the multiple impeller fan chassis, or therotational speed of the impellers.

The first vane 222 and the second vane 224 can be adjusted radially,shown as a radial adjustment range 220. The radial adjustment range 220can be adjusted depending on the type of fan system, and the angularcontrol element 226. In some embodiments, optional stoppers 228 can beadded to prevent the first vane 222 or the second vane 224 from coveringthe first fan opening 242, the second fan opening 244, or the third fanopening 246. The stoppers 228 for example, can be made out of a solidmaterial if the angular control element 226 is a spring, a motor, or ifthe vanes are weighted. The stoppers 228 can also be sensors if theangular control element 226 is a motor.

A radial adjustment range 220 is shown on either side of the first vane222 and the second vane 224. The radial adjustment range 220 displays anexample range of vane adjustment that can be done using the angularcontrol elements 226. Optional stoppers 228 can be added to prevent thefirst vane 222 or the second vane 224 from covering the first fanopening 242, the second fan opening 244, or the third fan opening 246.The stoppers 228 for example, can be made out of a rigid material if theangular control element 226 is the spring, the motor, or if the vanesare weighted. The stoppers 228 can also be sensors if the angularcontrol element 226 is a motor.

In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B a side view of an embodiment of a vane expandingdistally 300 is illustrated and is the same or substantially similar toFIG. 2A. In FIG. 3A an embodiment of a vane 324 attached to a first faceof a second fan chassis with angular control element 326. The vane 324has a first edge 372 and a second edge 373. The first edge 372 of thevane 324 is oriented such that the first edge 372 of the vane isperpendicular to the first face of the third fan chassis 316, and ispositioned approximately equidistant between the attached sidewalls ofthe second fan chassis and the third fan chassis 306. An example ofapproximate equidistance can include but is not limited to a fewmillimeter variance off center between the attached sidewalls.

The vane 324 can be equipped with a second slidably attached vane 325that is attached using the extension element 327 to a second end 373 ofthe vane 324. The slidably attached vane 325 has a first edge and asecond edge 375. The extension element 327 can be used to extend thevane 324 distally away from a first faces of the second and third fanchassis 316 by increasing a length the vane 324 with the second slidablyattached vane 325 with a second edge 375. In embodiments the secondslidably attached vane 325 is added to further direct airflow into a fanwith a failed impeller by redirecting the airflow from the adjacentnon-failed multiple impeller fans to the fan with the failed impeller.The vane 324 can then be adjusted radially using the dotted radialadjustment 320 of the second vane 324 to distribute airflow bysuperimposing a portion of a non-failed fan chassis to distribute moreairflow to a fan chassis with one or more failed impellers.

In FIG. 3B, an embodiment of post distal expansion of a second slidablyattached vane 301 is illustrated. The extension element causes the vane324 to increase in length from the first edge 372 which is attached tothe angular control elements 326 which can be attached to the second fanchassis perpendicular to the first faces of the second and third fanchassis 316 to become a second length. When acquired data requires thatmore airflow should be directed toward a failed fan the extensionelements 327 will increase the length between the first edge 372 of thefirst vane 324 and the new second edge 375 of the second distallyexpanding vane 325 that is directing the incoming airflow of theattached vane 324. The vane 324 can then be adjusted radially using theradial adjustment range 320 to distribute airflow to fan chassis withone or more failed impellers. In an example, the length of the extensionelement can be less than the diameter of the opening of the first faceof the fan chassis such that the vane does not cover the opening of thefirst face of the fan chassis. For example, if the diameter of theopening of the first face of the fan chassis is 100 mm the vane may beless than 100 mm.

In another example of distal expansion of FIG. 3A the extension elements327 can be heating elements and the vane 324 could be constructed ofthermally expanding material. When the vane 324, constructed ofthermally expandable material, and is heated by the extension elements327 the second edge 373 of the vane 324 can extend to a second lengthdistally away from the first faces of the second and third fan chassis316. The distal expansion of the vane 324 when constructed out ofthermally expandable material can cause the vane 324 to increase inlength to a second vane length 325 where the second edge 373 of the vanecan increase to a second edge length 375. The increase in length cancause the same or substantially similar airflow alterations as theslidably attached embodiment. The vane 324 can then be adjusted radiallyusing to distribute airflow by superimposing a portion of a non-failedfan chassis to distribute more airflow to a fan chassis with one or morefailed impellers.

In FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, an embodiment of vane adjustment is illustratedbased on a failure of an impeller of a multiple impeller fan system. InFIG. 4A, three separate fan chassis 400 are shown, in a top down viewthat is the same or substantially similar to the system of FIG. 2B. Afirst fan chassis 402 with a first face 412 and a second face 413opposite the first face 412, a second fan chassis 404 with a first face414 and a second face 415 opposite the first face 414, and a third fanchassis 406 with a first face 416 and a second face 417 opposite thefirst face 416, each including a multiple impeller system.

A first vane 422 and a second vane 424 can be oriented perpendicularlyrelative to the first face of the first fan chassis 412, the first faceof the second fan chassis 414, and the first face of the third fanchassis 416. A radial adjustment range 420 is shown on either side ofthe first vane 422 and the second vane 424 responding to a change inairflow. The radial adjustment range 420 displays an example of vaneadjustment between the open orientation and the closed position whichcan be done using the angular control elements 426.

In FIG. 4B, an embodiment of the vane adjustment 401 is done by theangular control elements 426 based on an impeller failure of the secondfan chassis 405. In various embodiments, an impeller of the second fanchassis 405 fails causing more airflow to be pulled into adjacent firstfan chassis 402 and third fan chassis 406. The second fan chassis 405with the impeller failure is substantially similar to the middle fanchassis 404 in FIG. 4A (although one or more of the impellers of themultiple impeller fan system have failed or malfunctioned). Examples ofimpeller failure can include the impeller being damaged, or just wearingout. Examples of the impeller being worn out can include, bearingfailure, blade fatigue, motor coil burnout, and electrical failure. Animpeller failure can create a conical area of lower pressure in front ofthe first faces of the chassis which pulls airflow away from theentrance of the second fan chassis 405 with the failed fan, into thefirst fan chassis 402 and third fan chassis 406. To fix the issue of theconical area of low pressure, an orientation of the first vane 422 andthe second vane 424 can be rotationally adjusted to restrict airflowinto fan chassis 402 and 406 and to allow more airflow into the chassis405 with the failed fan.

In embodiments the rotational adjustment of the first vane 422 and thesecond vane 424 using the angular control element 426 is can be done forby example, using a spring where the spring holds the vanes staticallyand perpendicular to the first faces of the first chassis 412, thesecond chassis 414, and the third chassis 416, until the impellerfailure in the second chassis 405. After the failure of the impeller inthe second chassis 405, the impellers of the adjacent first fan chassis402 and the third fan chassis 406, can pull airflow away from the failedsecond chassis 405. The failed second chassis 405 intakes less airflowthan the adjacent first 402 and third fan chassis 406, which can causethe lower conical airflow pressure in the front of the fan system.Instead the vanes can be pulled closer while being resisted with theangular control element 426 by the springs so the vanes do notimmediately rotate and cover the working fans.

In embodiments the rotational adjustment of the first vane 422 and thesecond vane 424 using the angular control element 426 is can be done forby example, using weighted vanes. The weighted vanes can be staticallyheld by gravity and perpendicular to the first faces of the firstchassis 412, the second chassis 414, and the third chassis 416, untilthe impeller failure in the second chassis 405. The angular controlelement 426 will freely rotate and the adjustment of the vanes can beresisted by the force of gravity on the weighted vanes. After thefailure of the impeller in the second chassis 405 the impellers of theadjacent first fan chassis 402 and the third fan chassis 406, can pullairflow away from the failed second chassis 405. The failed secondchassis 405 intakes less airflow than the adjacent first 402 and thirdfan chassis 406, which can cause the lower conical air pressure in thefront of the fan system. Instead the vanes will be pulled closer whilebeing resisted by the weight of the vanes so they do not immediatelyrotate and cover the working fans.

In embodiments where the angular control element 426 is a motor, theangular control element can react to the impeller failure of the secondchassis 405 by comparing data from the failed second chassis 405 airflowor RPM to the data from the adjacent non failed first chassis 402 andthird chassis 406, and adjusting the first vane 422 and second vane 424accordingly.

According to various embodiments, the failed impeller in the secondchassis 405 causes the first vane 422 and the second vane 424 toradially adjust their orientation away from the failed second chassis405. The first vane 422 superimposes the first fan chassis 404, and thesecond vane 424 superimposes the third fan chassis 406. The adjustmentof the vanes can be based on the data from a monitoring unit, or from achange in the airflow. For example if a single impeller fails in thefailed second chassis 405 the first vane 422 and the second vane 424would not radially adjust as significantly as the first vane 422 and thesecond vane 424 would if two impellers malfunctioned or failed in thefailed second chassis 405.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, another embodiment is illustrated where a secondplurality of vanes are added to the embodiment of FIG. 4A where a secondplurality of vanes are attached to a second face of a first and secondfan chassis. In FIG. 5B a failure of an impeller in the second fanchassis when the embodiment of FIG. 5A where a second plurality of vaneswere added to control the exhausts of the fans.

In FIG. 5A the first face of the first chassis 512, the second chassis514, and the third chassis 516 are the same or substantially similar tothe embodiment of FIG. 4A. A first vane 522 attached perpendicularlybetween the first fan chassis 502 and the second fan chassis 504 and isattached to the first fan chassis 502 with an angular control element526, and a second vane 524 attached perpendicularly between the secondfan chassis 504 and the third fan chassis 506 and is attached to thesecond fan chassis 504 with an angular control element 526. Each of thevanes can be oriented in perpendicularly in the open orientation inresponse to an even airflow the first faces of the first fan chassis512, the second fan chassis 514, and the third fan chassis 516.

The first vane 522 is positioned approximately equidistant between thefirst fan chassis 502 and the second fan chassis 504, and the vane 522is attached perpendicularly to the first fan chassis 502 using anangular control element 526. The first vane 522 has a first edge and asecond edge where the first edge is opposite of the second edge of whichthe first edge is attached to the angular control element 526 which isattached to the first fan chassis 502 and the second edge is orientedupwind of the incoming airflow slicing the airflow to enter equally intothe adjacent first fan chassis 502 and the second fan chassis 504.

The second vane 524 is positioned approximately equidistant between thesecond fan chassis 504 and the third fan chassis 506, and the vane 524is attached perpendicularly to the second fan chassis 504 using theangular control element 526. The second vane 524 has a first edge and asecond edge where the first edge is opposite of the second edge of whichthe first edge is attached to the angular control element 526 which isattached to the second fan chassis 504 and the second end is orientedupwind the incoming airflow slicing the airflow to enter equally intothe adjacent second fan chassis 504 and the third fan chassis 506.

The first vane 522 and the second vane 524 can be able to be adjustedrotationally between the open and closed orientations of the radialadjustment range 520, based on the amount of airflow entering the firstfaces of the first chassis 512, the second chassis 514, and the thirdchassis 516.

Example radial adjustments 520 are shown with the dotted radialadjustments of the first vane 522 and the second vane 524 responding toa change in airflow. The first vane 522 and second vane 524 can beadjusted to the example dotted radial adjustments. The first vane 522can be adjusted toward the first face of the first fan chassis 512 withdotted radial adjustment 552. The first vane 522 and the second vane 524can be adjusted toward the first face of the second fan chassis 514 withdotted radial adjustment 554 for the first vane 522 and radialadjustment 556 for the second vane 524. The second vane 524 can beadjusted toward the first face of the third chassis 516 with dottedradial adjustment 558.

In FIG. 5A a second plurality of vanes can be positioned in front of therespective second faces of a first chassis 513, a second chassis 515,and a third chassis 517. A third vane 523 is attached on the second facewhich exhausts airflow, the third vane 523 is positioned approximatelyequidistant between the first chassis 502 and the second chassis 504.The third vane 523 is perpendicularly oriented relative to the secondfaces of the first chassis 513 and the second chassis 515, and isattached to the first fan chassis 502 with angular control elements 526.A forth vane 525 is attached on the second face which exhausts airflow,the forth vane 525 is positioned approximately equidistant between thesecond chassis 504 and the third chassis 506. The forth vane 525 isperpendicularly oriented relative to the second faces of the secondchassis 515 and the third chassis 517, and is attached to the second fanchassis 504 angular control elements 526.

The third vane 523 is positioned approximately equidistant between thefirst fan chassis 502 and the second fan chassis 504. The third vane 523is attached to the first fan chassis 502, such that the third vane 523is perpendicular to the second faces of the first fan chassis 513 andsecond fan chassis 515, using an angular control element 526. The thirdvane 523 has a first edge and a second edge, where the first edge isopposite of the second edge. The first edge is attached to the angularcontrol element 526 which is attached to the first fan chassis 502 andthe second edge is oriented downwind of the incoming airflow that isentering the computer system.

The fourth vane 525 is positioned approximately equidistant between thesecond face of the second fan chassis 515 and the third fan chassis 517.The forth vane 525 is attached to the second fan chassis 504, such thatthe fourth vane 525 is perpendicular to the second faces of the firstsecond chassis 515 and third fan chassis 517, using an angular controlelement 526. The forth vane 525 has a first edge and a second edge,where the first edge is opposite of the second edge. The first edge isattached to the angular control element 526 which is attached to thesecond fan chassis 504. The second edge is oriented downwind of theincoming airflow that is entering the computer system.

The third vane 523 and the fourth vane 525 are able to be adjustedrotationally between the open and closed orientations of the radialadjustment range 521, based on the amount of airflow exhausting thesecond faces of the first chassis 513, the second chassis 515, and thethird chassis 517.

Example radial adjustments 521 are shown with the dotted radialadjustments of the third vane 522 and the fourth vane 524. The thirdvane 522 and fourth vane 524 can be adjusted to the example dottedradial adjustments. The third vane 522 can be adjusted toward the firstface of the first fan chassis 512 with dotted radial adjustment 553. Thethird vane 522 and the fourth vane 524 can be adjusted toward the firstface of the second fan chassis 514 with dotted radial adjustment 555 forthe third vane 522 and radial adjustment 557 for the fourth vane 524.The fourth vane 524 can be adjusted toward the first face of the thirdchassis 516 with dotted radial adjustment 559.

FIG. 5B depicts an embodiment of a fan chassis assembly 501 where thevane adjustment is done by the angular control elements 526 based on animpeller failure of the second fan chassis 505. In the embodiment animpeller of the second fan chassis 505 fails causing more airflow to bepulled into adjacent first fan chassis 502 and third fan chassis 506.The second fan chassis 505 with the impeller failure, is substantiallysimilar to the middle fan chassis 504 in FIG. 5A although one or more ofthe impellers of the multiple impeller fan system have failed ormalfunctioned.

Examples of the impeller being worn out and failing can include, but arenot limited to, bearing failure, blade fatigue, motor coil burnout, andelectrical failure. An impeller failure can create a conical area oflower pressure in front of the first faces of the fan chassis. Theconical area of low pressure pulls airflow away from the entrance of thesecond fan chassis 505 with the failed fan into the first fan chassis502 and third fan chassis 506. To fix the issue of the conical area oflow pressure an orientation of the first vane 522 and the second vane524 are rotationally adjusted to allow more airflow into the secondfailed fan chassis 505. Whereas the third vane 523 and the fourth vane524 adjust toward the second failed fan chassis 505 to even out theairflow exiting the second faces of the first fan chassis 502, thesecond failed fan chassis 505, and third fan chassis 506.

In some embodiments, the rotational adjustment of the first vane 522,and the second vane 524, are adjusted using the angular control element526 is can be done for by example, using a spring where the spring holdsthe vanes statically and perpendicular to the first faces of the firstchassis 512, the second chassis 514, and the third chassis 516, untilthe impeller failure in the second chassis 505. After the failure of theimpeller in the second chassis 505 the impellers of the adjacent firstfan chassis 502 and the third fan chassis 506, will pull airflow awayfrom the failed second chassis 505, instead the vanes will be pulledcloser while being resisted with the angular control element 526 by thesprings so they do not immediately rotate and cover the working fans.

In some embodiments, the orientations of the third vane 523, and thefourth vane 525, are set using the angular control element 526 such as aspring that can hold the vanes statically and perpendicular to thesecond faces of the first chassis 513, the second chassis 515, and thethird chassis 516, until the impeller failure in the second chassis 505.After the failure of the impeller in the second chassis 505 theimpellers of the adjacent first fan chassis 502 and the third fanchassis 506, will exhaust more airflow than the failed second chassis505, and the vanes can move toward the closed orientation, partiallyblocking airflow into the second fan chassis 505. The orientation of thevanes can be resisted by the spring angular control element 526 so thatthey do not immediately rotate and completely cover the opening of thesecond fan chassis 505.

In embodiments, the rotational adjustment of the first vane 522 and thesecond vane 524 using the angular control element 526 is can be done forby example, using weighted vanes. The weighted vanes can be staticallyheld by gravity and perpendicular to the first faces of the firstchassis 512, the second chassis 514, and the third chassis 516, untilthe impeller failure in the second chassis 505. The angular controlelement 526 will freely rotate and the adjustment of the vanes can beresisted by the force of gravity on the weighted vanes. After thefailure of the impeller in the second chassis 505 the impellers of theadjacent first fan chassis 502 and the third fan chassis 506, can pullairflow away from the failed second chassis 505. The failed secondchassis 505 intakes less airflow than the adjacent first 502 and thirdfan chassis 506, which can cause the lower conical air pressure in thefront of the fan system. Instead, the vanes will be pulled closer whilebeing resisted by the weight of the vanes so they do not immediatelyrotate and cover the working fans.

In embodiments, the rotational adjustment of the third vane 523 and thefourth vane 525 using the angular control element 526 is can be done forby example, using weighted vanes. The weighted vanes can be staticallyheld by gravity and perpendicular to the second faces of the firstchassis 513, the second chassis 515, and the third chassis 517, untilthe impeller failure in the second chassis 505. The angular controlelement 526 will freely rotate and the adjustment of the vanes can beresisted by the force of gravity on the weighted vanes. After thefailure of the impeller in the second chassis 505 the impellers of theadjacent first fan chassis 502 and the third fan chassis 506, canexhaust more airflow compared to the failed second fan chassis 505 withthe failed fan. The failed second chassis 505 exhaust less airflow thanthe adjacent first 502 and third fan chassis 506, which can cause unevencooling within the system. Instead the third vane 523 and the fourthvane will be pushed closer toward the failed second fan chassis 505while being resisted by the weight of the vanes so they do notimmediately rotate and cover the failed second fan chassis 505. Thevanes will allow for an even distribution of airflow entering thesystem.

In embodiments, where the angular control element 526 is a motor, theangular control element can react to the impeller failure of the secondchassis 505 by comparing data from the failed second chassis 505 airflowor RPM to the data from the adjacent non failed first chassis 502 andthird chassis 506, and adjusting the first vane 522 and second vane 524accordingly.

In embodiments, where the angular control element 526 is a motor, theangular control element can react to the impeller failure of the secondchassis 505 by comparing data from the failed second chassis 505 airflowor the rotational speed data from the adjacent non failed first chassis502 and third chassis 506, and adjusting the third vane 523 and fourthvane 525 accordingly.

According to various embodiments, the failed impeller in the secondchassis 505 causes the first vane 522 and the second vane 524 toradially adjust their position away from the failed second chassis 505.The first vane 522 superimposes the first fan chassis 504, and thesecond vane 524 superimposes the third fan chassis 506. The adjustmentof the vanes can be based on the data from a monitoring unit, or from aphysical change in the airflow. For example if a single impeller failsin the failed second chassis 505 the first vane 522 and the second vane524 would not radially adjust as significantly as the first vane 522 andthe second vane 524 would if two impellers malfunctioned or failed inthe failed second chassis 505.

According to various embodiments, the failed impeller in the secondchassis 505 can cause the third vane 523 and the fourth vane 525 toradially adjust their positions toward from the failed second chassis505. The third vane 523 superimposes the second fan chassis 505 on theside attached to the first fan chassis 502, and the fourth vane 525superimposes the second fan chassis 505 on the side attached to thethird fan chassis 506. The adjustment of the vanes can be based on thedata from a monitoring unit, or from a physical change in the airflow.For example if a single impeller fails in the failed second chassis 505the third vane 523 and the fourth vane 525 would not radially adjust assignificantly as the third vane 523 and the fourth vane 525 would if twoimpellers malfunctioned or failed in the failed second chassis 505.

According to various embodiments, airflow is illustrated to show theintake airflow 550 distribution of the vanes prior to being altered bythe first vane 522 and the second vane 524, and the exhaust 551 beingaltered by the third vane 523 and fourth vane 525. The first vane 522and second vane 524 distribute more of the intake airflow 550 to thesecond chassis 505 with the failed impeller. The third vane 523 isadjusted with the exhaust of the first fan chassis 502 and second fanchassis 505 with the failed impeller, and the fourth vane 525 isadjusted with the exhaust of the third fan chassis 506 and second fanchassis 505 with the failed impeller. The alterations of the third vane523 and the fourth vane 525 alter the exhaust to be even when enteringthe computer system to allow for proper airflow distribution.

According to various embodiments, the fan system can be orientatedvertically. An example of a fan system can include the fan system 200found in FIG. 2A, and FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the fan system200 being orientated vertically. In this embodiment a first vane 622 anda second vane 624 can be positioned parallel when compared to the bottomsidewall 660 of the frame.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a fan chassis assembly, with threeattached fan chassis fan structure. Three separate fan chassis areshown: a first fan chassis 602, a second fan chassis 604, and a thirdfan chassis 606, each including a multiple impeller system. The fanchassis can be attached to each other by attaching a sidewall of one ofthe fan chassis to another sidewall of the adjoining fan chassis whereeach sidewall will be substantially parallel to the other. The first fanchassis 602 including a first face 612 and a second face 613, oppositethe first face 612, with an opening 642 including a first multipleimpeller system. The second fan chassis 604 including a first face 614and a second face 615, opposite the first face 614, with an opening 644including a second multiple impeller system. The third fan chassis 606including a first face 616 and a second face 617, opposite the firstface 616, with an opening 646 including a third multiple impellersystem. The first face of the first fan chassis 612, the first face ofthe second fan chassis 614, and the first face of the third fan chassis616 can be orientated such that they are facing in a same direction.

The first fan chassis 602 is aligned to be substantially parallel to thesecond fan chassis 604, and can be attached at an attachment point 632.The second fan chassis 604 is aligned to be substantially parallel tothe third fan chassis 606 and can be attached at attachment point 634.For example, the attachment points 632 and 634 can be accomplished byphysically attaching the surfaces of the sidewalls of the chassis toeach other.

The first vane 622 and the second vane 624 are positioned between thefan chassis approximately equidistant from the attached sidewalls of thefan chassis. A first vane 622 is positioned approximately equidistantbetween the attached sidewalls of first fan chassis 602 and the secondfan chassis 604, perpendicular to the first faces of the first fanchassis 612 and the second chassis 614, and the first vane 622 beingattached to the first fan chassis 602 using the angular control element626. The first vane 622 has a first edge and a second edge, where thefirst edge is opposite of the second edge, and the first edge isattached to the angular control element 626. A second vane 624 ispositioned approximately equidistant between the attached sidewalls ofthe second fan chassis 604 and the third fan chassis 606, perpendicularto the first faces of the second fan chassis 614 and the third chassis616, and the second vane 624 is attached to the second fan chassis 604using the angular control element 626. The second vane 624 has a firstedge and a second edge, where the first edge is opposite of the secondedge, and the first edge is attached to the angular control element 626.When the vanes are oriented perpendicular to the faces of the fanchassis, the vanes can divide the airflow approaching the fans evenlyamong the various fan chassis in the fan system 600.

In various embodiments, the first vane 622 and the second vane 624 areboth positioned parallel to the bottom sidewall 660. In an example thebottom sidewall 660 can be orientated such that it is parallel with theground. In the example, since the bottom sidewall 660 is parallel to theground such that the first vane 622 and the second vane 624 are alsoparallel to the ground. Since the first vane 622 and the second vane 624in the example, are parallel to the ground angular control elements 626can also resist a force of gravity upon the first vane 622 and thesecond vane 624 along with changes in the airflow. In an example of theangular control elements 626 being springs, the top spring can need toresist 2N (newton) of force while the bottom spring can need to onlyresist 1.9N of force.

According to embodiments, the vanes can be formed from metal, plastic,or another rigid material. In some embodiments the vanes can expanddistally where a second edge of the vane has increased its distance awayfrom the fans to increase the length of the vane (e.g. FIGS. 3A and 3B).

In fan system 600 the first vane 622 and second vane 624 have two endorientations. The first end orientation being an open orientation wherethe vane is perpendicular to the first faces of the fan chassis. Thesecond end orientation is a closed orientation, where the vane isradially adjusted as far as the angular control element 626 or anoptional stopper 628 will allow the vane to superimpose the intake ofthe fan chassis. The closed position of the radial adjustment range 620lets a significantly decreased amount of airflow into the working fanchassis whereas the open position allows an equal distribution ofairflow to each of the fan chassis adjacent to the vane. There can benumerous radial adjustment range 620 orientations for the vane betweenthe open orientation and the closed orientation, of which the vane canbe radially adjusted to, responding to an impeller failure, and the fansystem (e.g. of FIG. 4B).

In various embodiments the vanes do not need to be positioned verticallyor horizontally, or perpendicular or parallel when compared to thebottom sidewall of the frame. In an example, the vanes can be positionedin any orientation but still perpendicular to the first faces of the fanchassis and positioned approximately equidistant to the attachedsidewalls of each of the fan chassis. In another example the vanes canstill perpendicular to the first faces of the fan chassis but notequidistant to the attached sidewalls of each of the fan chassis.

FIGS. 7A and 7B an angular control element in the embodiment of the fanstructure is a motor used for the adjustment of the vane using anadjustment support. FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of a threedimensional side view of two separate multiple impeller fan chassisorientated horizontally as a fan system 700 according to variousembodiments. In the embodiment an angular control element is a motor 726with an adjustment support 727 that can transfer adjustments from themotor 726 to a second vane 724. The motors 726 can be mounted to thesecond fan chassis 704, and hold the second vane 724 perpendicular to afirst face of a second fan chassis 714 and a first face of a third fanchassis 716. The motors 726 can adjust the second vane 724 radiallybetween an open position and a closed position. The adjustment of thevane can be done by a control unit 762 in response to a failure of animpeller of the second fan chassis 704 or a failure of an impeller ofthe third fan chassis 706. An example of a control unit, the controlunit can be a singular unit controlling each of the vanes in the fansystem, positioning each according to the data received from each fanchassis respective monitoring unit.

FIG. 7B illustrates a magnified side view of the motor 726 as an angularcontrol element attached to the vane 724, and coupled electrically to amonitoring unit 760 with a control unit to determine an adjustment rangeof a vane. An angular control element which is a motor 726 is attachedto the second fan chassis and holds the second vane 724 perpendicularlyto the first face of the third fan chassis 716 of the fan system 701.The motor 726 is connected to the second vane 724 with an adjustmentsupport 727. The adjustment support 727 can be used by the motor 726 toadjust the position of the vane radially between an open and a closedposition in response to an impeller failure. The adjustment of the motor726 can be based on data transferred to the control unit 762. The datacan be gathered from a monitoring unit 760 based on the measurements ofthe airflow of the second fan chassis and the third fan chassis 706using the monitoring unit for the second fan chassis and the monitoringunit for the third fan chassis 760.

In embodiments the data gathered from the monitoring unit 760 forexample, can be based on the airflow of a measurement of the exhaustexiting a second face of the third fan chassis 717. The monitoring unit760 can compare the airflow of the exhaust and compare the airflow ofthe exhaust from the second face of the third fan chassis 717 to theadjacent surrounding fans. The position of the second vane 724 can beradially adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of airflow thethird fan chassis 706 can intake responding to a failure of an impellerof the third fan chassis 706 or of an adjacent fan chassis.

In another example the monitoring unit 760 can be coupled internallywith a motor of an impeller, and measure the revolutions per minute(RPM) of each of the impellers. If an impeller fails the monitoring unit760 can send data to the control unit 762 to adjust the position of thesecond vane 724 using the motor 726 to increase or decrease the amountof airflow entering the third fan chassis 706.

In embodiments of the adjustment of the vane can be based on calculatinga difference in airflow between the second fan chassis and the third fanchassis 706. The monitoring unit 760 sends the measurements of theairflow exhausting the second face of the second fan chassis and thesecond face of the third fan chassis 717. The measurements are then sentto the control unit 762 which is electrically coupled to the motor 726.The adjustment of the second vane 724 can be based on the differencebetween the measurements of the airflow of the second fan chassis andthe third fan chassis 706. For example if the measurement of the airflowof the second fan chassis is less than the measurement of the airflow ofthe third fan chassis 706 the second vane 724 can be radially adjustedtowards the closed position superimposing the first face of the thirdfan chassis 716. If the measurement of the second fan chassis airflow iszero the second vane 724 can be held in the open position.

For example, if the second vane 724 is adjusted towards the closedposition based on an impeller failure of the second fan chassis and asecond impeller fails causing the measurement to be zero. In response tothe measurement being zero, the second vane 724 can return to the openposition to prevent the second vane 724 from reducing the airflow of thefan system further. In another example, in response to a failure of bothimpellers of a fan chassis, a manual reset switch can be pressed by auser to send a manual reset signal to the control unit 762 to return thesecond vane 724 to the open position.

In embodiments, the adjustment of the vane can be measured by the degreeof rotation of the vane based on the adjustment of the motor receivingdata from the control unit. To determine measurable vane adjustment, ifthe monitoring unit can calculate a difference between the measuredairflow from a first fan chassis compared to the second fan chassis. Inan example, if the first fan chassis was exhausting 10% more airflowcompared to a second fan chassis the vane can be radially adjusted 5°towards the first face of the first fan superimposing the first fan. Inanother example, if the second fan chassis is exhausting 20% moreairflow compared to the first fan chassis the vane can be radiallyadjusted 10° towards the first face of the second fan superimposing thesecond fan. In another example, if the first fan chassis is exhausting100% more airflow the vane can remain in the open position to notsuperimpose either the first face of the first fan chassis or the firstface of the second fan chassis.

In various embodiments, the monitoring unit can be detecting ameasurement of temperatures of the components within a frame. Examplesof components within a frame where the frame is a server can include,separate server blades, or specific components on each server blade likeeach microprocessor. Using separate server blades as an example, where afirst fan is dedicated to cooling a first server blade, and a second fanis dedicated to cooling a second server blade. If the first server bladeis operating at a higher measurement of temperature when compared to ameasurement of temperature of the second server blade, a vane can beadjusted radially by the angular control element. The radial adjustmentof the vane can superimpose the second fan chassis directing moreairflow into the first fan chassis.

In various embodiments, the measurement of the temperature differentialcan be used to detect an impeller failure of a fan chassis. Thetemperature differential can result from a failed impeller causing thefan chassis with a failed impeller to intake a lower volume of airflow,the vane can be radially adjusted by the angular control element towardsthe non-failed fan chassis. The radial adjustment of the vane canincrease the exhaust being outputted by the failed fan chassis causing amore even exhaust of the failed and non-failed fan chassis. Usingseparate server blades as an example, where a first fan is dedicated tocooling a first server blade, and a second fan is dedicated to cooling asecond server blade. If the first server blade is operating at a highermeasurement of temperature, due to a failed impeller, when compared to ameasurement of temperature of the second server blade, a vane can beadjusted radially by the angular control element. The radial adjustmentof the vane can superimpose the second fan chassis directing moreairflow into the first fan chassis.

In embodiments, the vane can also be radially adjusted toward the openposition based on a change in the airflow differential of the first fanchassis and the second fan chassis. If a change in airflow or a secondfailure causes a second airflow differential the vane can berepositioned towards the open position. In an example, if the controlunit 762 determines a second failure of an impeller resulting in a thirdmeasurement of the airflow from the first fan chassis and a fourthmeasurement of the airflow from the second fan chassis, the monitoringunit can readjust the vane towards the open position.

An example of the readjustment toward the open position can be, if afirst measurement of airflow of a first fan chassis is greater than thesecond measurement of airflow of the second fan chassis causing adifference in airflow. The difference in airflow can cause the vane toradially adjust toward the closed position superimposing the first fanchassis. The adjustment of the vane towards the closed position then cancause the third measurement of airflow of the first fan chassis to beless than the fourth measurement of the airflow of the second fanchassis. The vane can then be readjusted by the angular control elementfrom the control unit 762 radially back toward the open position.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of the method 800, of the vane beingaltered based on a measurement of an airflow differential between afirst fan and a second fan, according to various embodiments. Inoperation 802, the airflow of a first fan and a second fan are measured.The measurement can be performed for example, by a monitoring unit. Themonitoring unit can communicate with a control unit to determine theradial adjustment of a vane, and the radial adjustment of the vane canbe done by the angular control element which can be a motor. Inoperation 804, the measurements of the airflow are compared to determineif an airflow of the first fan is greater than the airflow of the secondfan. In operation 806, if the measurement of the airflow of the firstfan is greater that the measurement of the second fan, then the vane canbe adjusted radially toward the closed position. The closed positionsuperimposes the first face of the fan chassis. If the measurement ofthe airflow of the second fan is greater or equal to the measurement ofthe airflow of the first fan the process will continue to operation 808.In operation 808, the measurements of the airflow are compared todetermine if the measurement of the airflow of the second fan is greaterthan the measurement of the airflow of the first fan. In operation 810if the determination of the airflow of the second fan is greater, thevane can be adjusted radially toward the closed position superimposingthe second fan. If the measurement of the airflow of the second fan isnot greater than the measurement of the airflow of the first fan inoperation 808, the process proceeds to operation 812. In operation 812,the measurement airflow of the first fan and the measurement of thesecond fan are equal. The method 800 is then repeated based on aconditional response to an impeller failure.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosurehave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of constructing a cooling systemcomprising: positioning a first fan chassis with a first face with anopening, a second face with an opening, and a sidewall, approximatelyparallel to a sidewall of a second fan chassis which has a first facewith an opening, a second face with an opening, and a sidewall;attaching the sidewall of the first fan chassis to the sidewall of thesecond fan chassis; attaching a vane to an angular control element andorientating the vane to be perpendicular to a first face of the firstfan chassis and the first face of the second fan chassis; and attachingthe angular control element to the first fan chassis where the angularcontrol element is configured to adjust a position of a vane radially tothe first face of the first fan chassis and the first face of the secondfan chassis.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the angular controlelement is configured to orient the vane towards a closed positionsuperimposing the second fan in response to a second airflow enteringinto the first face of the first fan where the second airflow enteringthe first fan is less than a first airflow entering the second fan. 3.The method of claim 2, wherein the second airflow is non-zero.
 4. Amethod of controlling a vane on a cooling system, comprising: receivinga first measurement based on an airflow from a first multiple impellercounter-rotational fan chassis and a second measurement based on airflowfrom a second multiple impeller counter-rotational fan chassis;calculating a difference between the first measurement for the first fanchassis and the second measurement for the second fan chassis; andadjusting a position of a vane responsive to the difference, a greaterfirst measurement of the first fan chassis relative to the secondmeasurement of the second fan chassis causes an angular control elementto radially adjust the vane to superimpose an intake of the airflow ofthe first fan chassis.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the vane isreturned to an open position in response to a manual reset signal. 6.The method of claim 4, wherein the measurement of the airflow isperformed by measuring a revolutions per minute of a first impeller anda second impeller within the first fan chassis, and the revolutions perminute of a first impeller and a second impeller within the second fanchassis.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein the vane is adjusted towardan open position by: receiving a third measurement of the airflow fromthe first fan chassis and a fourth measurement of the airflow from thesecond fan chassis; calculating a difference between the thirdmeasurement for the first fan chassis and the fourth measurement for thesecond fan chassis; determining that a superimposed intake of airflow ofthe first fan chassis is less than an intake of airflow of the secondfan chassis; and adjusting the superimposition of the first fan chassiswith the angular control element by radially adjusting the vane towardan open position.